Light, airy, and delicately sweet, Nun’s Puffs are an old-fashioned treat with irresistible charm. These golden pastries puff dramatically in the oven, forming a crisp, buttery shell that gives way to a soft, custard-like interior. Made with pantry staples, they’re surprisingly simple yet feel special enough for brunch or dessert. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey takes them from humble to heavenly. Enjoy them warm for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience that truly lives up to their name.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick / 113 g)
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1 tbsp sugar (12 g)
- ¼ tsp salt (1.5 g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking and help the puffs rise evenly. - Make the choux-style dough:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add milk, sugar, and salt, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. - Add the flour:
Once boiling, add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1 minute). - Cool slightly:
Remove the pan from heat and let the dough rest for 2–3 minutes to cool slightly—this prevents the eggs from scrambling when added. - Incorporate the eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth, thick, and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract for a touch of flavor. - Fill the muffin cups:
Divide the dough evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about halfway. The mixture will expand significantly during baking. - Bake to perfection:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the puffs are deep golden brown and beautifully inflated. Avoid opening the oven too early, as this can cause them to collapse. - Cool and serve:
Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for a simple yet elegant finish. Expect them to deflate slightly as they cool—that’s completely normal.
Crisp on the outside, tender and custardy inside, Nun’s Puffs are a timeless pastry that feels both comforting and refined. Serve them fresh from the oven with a sprinkle of sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of jam. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea, these golden delights never fail to impress.
